CHANGING lifestyles, food habits and levels of stress have to a large extent had an adverse effect on women's health. Many suffer in silence. But the fact remains that excessive menstrual bleeding  a problem that affects one out of every five women  is too personal to discuss and often left untreated.

Abnormal uterine bleeding, common among women in their mid-30s and 50s, is said to be on the rise in recent years and women, whether educated or not, have acclimatised themselves to the problem, says Dr Mridhubashini Govindarajulu, a gynaecologist.

According to a recent survey, over 3 crore women in India suffer from excessive menstrual bleeding.

"This problem can cause both emotional and physical problems," she said.

Stressing the need for greater awareness to control heavy periods, Dr Franklin D. Loffer, a gynaecologist in the US, said `Thermachoice Uterine Balloon Therapy' was an effective treatment for the problem. "It involves no hospitalisation and promises quick return to normal activity," he added.

The therapy option was introduced in the US about five years ago and though the treatment was introduced almost a year back in India, not many are aware of this option, Dr Mridubashini said.